ATP is an energy carrier. An easier way to understand the term ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is (A) represents adenosine , (T) represents tri, or 3 (T) and (P) is phosphate. Therefore, it is one adenosine, and three phosphate atoms that make up the molecule.
ATP is a nucleotide which has high-energy phosphate bonds that store large amounts of chemical energy. ATP is considered the universal energy currency for metabolism because the energy is used for many metabolic processes in the respiratory system. It is produced via cellular respiration in the mitochondria and photosynthesis in chloroplasts and travels to where the energy is needed in the cell.
ATP is produced by adding another phosphate group to Adenosine DiPhosphate (ADP). This can also be further remembered easily as one adenosine standing for A which is a nucleoside that is a structural component of nucleic acids, and di meaning 2 and one phosphate. One adenosine and 2 phosphate.The ATP reaches the area it is needed, the third of three phosphates is broken off turning ATP back into ADP. When the bond connecting the phosphate is broken, energy is released. The third phosphate is then added again to make another ATP to supply energy.
ATP is an energy carrier. An easier way to understand the term ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is (A) represents adenosine , (T) represents tri, or 3 (T) and (P) is phosphate. Therefore, it is one adenosine, and three phosphate atoms that make up the molecule.
ATP is a nucleotide which has high-energy phosphate bonds that store large amounts of chemical energy. ATP is considered the universal energy currency for metabolism because the energy is used for many metabolic processes in the respiratory system. It is produced via cellular respiration in the mitochondria and photosynthesis in chloroplasts and travels to where the energy is needed in the cell.
Diagram of ATP Structure
How is the Energy Produced?
ATP is produced by adding another phosphate group to Adenosine DiPhosphate (ADP). This can also be further remembered easily as one adenosine standing for A which is a nucleoside that is a structural component of nucleic acids, and di meaning 2 and one phosphate. One adenosine and 2 phosphate.The ATP reaches the area it is needed, the third of three phosphates is broken off turning ATP back into ADP. When the bond connecting the phosphate is broken, energy is released. The third phosphate is then added again to make another ATP to supply energy.
Here is a video that will explain this process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbtqF9q_pFw&feature=related
Another video to help better undertand ATP from khan's academy.